Inclusive Design Initiative Encourages More Play, Less Screen Time for Abu Dhabi Children.
Abu Dhabi: The emirate is working to embed inclusion into the way public spaces are planned and services are delivered, officials said during a panel discussion on inclusive cities at LIVEX 2026.
Sana Muhammad Suhail, the UAE’s Minister of Family, called on urban planners and designers to involve families directly when shaping spaces intended for them.
“Don’t design for families, design with the families,” she said.
Suhail said Abu Dhabi assessed 23 sites in 2023 to gain a better understanding of how children and families interact with public spaces. In one neighbourhood pilot, small design changes were followed by a reported 65 per cent increase in play and a 42 per cent decline in screen time. The number of younger children using the space also tripled, she said.
Highlighting the importance of cooperation between government entities, Suhail said authorities must work together to create cities that can adapt to the changing needs of families.
Abu Dhabi’s City for Family framework is built around five goals, 15 strategies and 63 actions covering key areas including housing, mobility, healthcare, education and governance, according to Suhail.
Shamis Ali Khalfan Al Dhaheri, Chairman of the Department of Community Development, said Abu Dhabi’s People of Determination strategy comprises 30 initiatives across six areas. The programme brings together government entities, private-sector organisations and third-sector partners to advance inclusion across the emirate.
The strategy is designed to improve accessibility and promote greater independence for People of Determination across areas including education, employment, transport and public services, Al Dhaheri said.
“The real test of inclusivity is the ability to create an environment where people can participate, can live, and can be greatly independent,” he said.
He added that the broader objective is to transform Abu Dhabi’s policies and systems so they continuously improve quality of life and inclusion for People of Determination.
Al Dhaheri also highlighted an award aimed at encouraging organisations to strengthen accessibility. After attracting 372 applications, Abu Dhabi decided to expand the initiative across the UAE with support from the ministry, he said.
Accessibility goes beyond physical infrastructure
Dr Muhannad Alazzeh, Secretary-General of the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (HCD), stressed that accessibility for People of Determination should extend beyond physical infrastructure such as ramps.
He said inclusion should also ensure that people can easily access information, communication channels and essential services.
Alazzeh called for progress to be measured objectively using recognised standards, including the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. He also emphasised the importance of involving people with disabilities themselves in monitoring and assessing progress.
Officials identified public participation and coordination among stakeholders as key challenges in creating more inclusive cities. Suhail stressed that families should have a direct role in shaping streets and public spaces, while Al Dhaheri outlined plans for a centralised directory to help families of autistic children identify and access relevant services across Abu Dhabi.
Suhail said Abu Dhabi’s ‘City for Family’ framework focuses on four key groups: People of Determination, children aged up to eight, families and caregivers, and senior citizens.
The framework seeks to ensure their needs are considered from the earliest stages of urban planning rather than introducing accessibility measures later. Its scope includes housing, mobility, healthcare, education and governance.
Alazzeh said the longer-term objective is to make accessibility a standard consideration across city planning and service delivery, creating an environment where inclusion is built in from the outset.
